The Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has attributed the projects he facilitated in Ekiti Central Senatorial District to what he described as the grace of God to serve the people, stating that his tenure has added significant value to the district.
Speaking at Ward 2 in Iyin-Ekiti on Monday after emerging as the unopposed APC candidate for Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Bamidele outlined ongoing and completed interventions across the district. These include 11 mini stadia, five intensive care units and amenity centres, more than 100 transformers, over 6,000 solar streetlight poles, and more than 80 kilometres of inner roads in various towns.
“I am currently working on mini stadia in Iyin-Ekiti, Aramoko, Okemesi, Ijero, Ipoti, Erijiyan, Ilawe, and we are also about to commence another one in Ido-Ekiti,” Bamidele said.
He added that intensive care units and amenity centres are under construction in Iyin-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, Aramoko, and Efon. His office has also constructed classroom blocks in schools across the district.
“For me, these were things made possible by God for me to facilitate in my position as a senator and as Leader of the Senate,” he said. “I have given back to the people in every way that I could, and I believe it is also a demonstration of the fact that the people appreciate my little contribution.”
Bamidele said returning unopposed imposes a greater responsibility. “The fact that I am going back as an unopposed candidate of the party imposes much more responsibility on me because I believe it is a way of calling me to greater service. I see my involvement in politics as a ministry, and that is why I am guided by the grace of God.”
He thanked the press for highlighting his work, noting that journalists had served as the bridge between my office, the people of Ekiti Central, and the people of Nigeria.
Advising aspirants who lost in party primaries, Bamidele said losing a contest does not make one a loser.
“Every contest is meant to be won or lost, but not every contest produces a loser. Losing a contest is not the same as being a loser. It could simply mean that it is not your time, or that God has a better plan for you,” he said.
He recalled contesting the Senate seat in 2010–2011, saying he believed he won the primary but it was ceded to another candidate due to geopolitical considerations within the party.
“I felt terrible about it, but I did not lose hope, and I did not see myself as a loser,” he said.
Bamidele urged the APC to ensure all primaries are conducted freely and fairly. He advised aggrieved aspirants not to see themselves as defeated. “Even if they are unhappy, they should not see themselves as losers, because their time will come,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of students, Olumide Esan, Student Union President of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, said students turned out to support Bamidele.
“Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has been a good leader. He is someone people can look up to as a role model and mentor,” Esan said.
He cited the facilitation of the university market, access roads, and the establishment of a federal university in the area as examples of the senator’s impact, and urged students to emulate his leadership and commitment to community service.
